LinkedIn has become a key business networking tool, and it can be an incredibly powerful resource when you want to develop your personal brand. To maximize LinkedIn take advantage of all the features it has to offer and make the most out of your LinkedIn branding campaign.

1. Edit your LinkedIn URL – As part of developing your brand, you can leverage your name. Click on ‘Profile,’ then click on ‘Edit Profile.’ A blue box appears. Scroll down to the bottom to ‘Public Profile.’ Click ‘Edit,’ and a page comes up. Enter your name in the box on the right hand side.

If you have a more common name, you can try using your ‘first name + middle initial + last name.” This will let you expand your name brand. Your LinkedIn profile will appear higher in Google search rankings, which means if someone is looking for you, they are much more likely to find you.

2. Modify your Headline – Modify your headline and take advantage of the branding power LinkedIn can offer you. If you are attempting to position yourself to advance your career, you should not overlook the power of the headline. LinkedIn defaults your last job title in the headline. However, you can modify this, simply by going to ‘Profile,’ then ‘Edit Profile,’ and then click ‘Edit.”

Use a keyword or keywords that potential recruiters are likely to search. If you were most recently a Director of Marketing, you could create a headline that supports that.

3. Create a Flawless LinkedIn Profile – Consider hiring a professional writer to create copy that’s compelling and engaging, as well as keyword rich. Make sure that it is 100% free of errors.

4. Ask for Recommendations – Ask former or current superiors, subordinates, or colleagues for recommendations. Click ‘Profile,’ then click ‘Recommendations.’ Type a short note asking for the recommendation. When hiring managers and/or recruiters see the positive comments in the recommendation they care more likely to look to you.

Finally, join groups and then participate in them. In fact, the importance of groups cannot be stressed enough. They do a great job of extending your reach. When you use them smartly, you will enhance your professional branding and that’s important. By participating in the groups your name will become recognizable and you will be able to build your branding, one of the most powerful strategies around!

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